John Deere 240 lawn tractor

John Deere 240

Power

14 hp

Production

1988-1992

Transmission

Tuff Torq E0905

Weight

590 lbs [267 kg]

Drive

2WD

From the same series:

245

Introduction

John Deere 240 Garden Tractor

The John Deere 240 is a garden tractor produced between 1988 and 1992 in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA. Designed for residential property maintenance and landscaping, this machine represents a standard model in John Deere's lawn and garden lineup of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Engine and Performance

The tractor is powered by an air-cooled, vertical-shaft engine with a displacement of 422 cc (25.8 ci). It produces 14 horsepower (10.4 kW) at a rated engine speed of 3350 RPM. The engine features a dry-type air cleaner with a foam pre-cleaner to protect internal components from debris in outdoor environments. It utilizes a 12-volt starting system and requires an oil capacity of 1.2 liters (1.25 quarts), with recommended oil changes every 50 hours of operation.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The 240 utilizes a Tuff Torq E0905 belt-driven gear transmission, providing 6 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. Operation requires the use of a clutch pedal to shift between gears, and the manufacturer advises against shifting while the machine is in motion under heavy loads. For models produced from 1992 (starting at serial number 130001), the braking system was upgraded from expanding mechanical shoes to an internal wet disc brake system integrated into the transmission, which requires low-viscosity Hy-Gard lubricant.

Operations and Hydraulics

The machine is equipped with an independent mid-mounted PTO (Power Take-Off) engaged by an electric clutch, allowing for the operation of compatible mower decks in 38, 46, and 48-inch widths. Steering is managed via a manual, enclosed recirculating ball system, providing operator control for the two-wheel drive chassis. An optional sleeve hitch is available for additional ground-engaging implement versatility.

Dimensions and Electrical

The tractor features a wheelbase of 121 cm (47.9 inches) and an overall length of 181 cm (71.5 inches). Its width is 105 cm (41.5 inches), and it has a shipping weight of approximately 267 kg (590 lbs), reaching 308 kg (680 lbs) when equipped with a mower deck. The electrical system is powered by a 12-volt battery with a 342 CCA rating, supported by an alternator-based charging system providing 13 amps.

Conclusion

The John Deere 240 is a utilitarian garden tractor suited for mowing and light property maintenance. Its mechanical gear-driven transmission and straightforward operator station make it a durable option for users requiring a classic, manually-operated machine for lawn care tasks.

Production Information of John Deere, 240

  • Garden tractor
  • Built in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA
ManufacturerJohn Deere

Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 240

Wheelbase47.9 inches [121 cm]
Shipping weight590 lbs [267 kg]
Height43.6 inches [110 cm]
Length71.5 inches [181 cm]
Length(optional)680 lbs [308 kg]
Width41.5 inches [105 cm]

Weight with mower deck.

Ag rear23x10.50-12
Lawn/turf front16x6.50-8
Lawn/turf rear23x10.50-12

Engine Specifications of John Deere, 240

  • Air-cooled vertical-shaft
Starter volts12
Displacement422 cc [25.8 ci]
Oil capacity1.25 qts [1.2 L]
Air cleanerDry with foam pre-cleaner
Bore/Stroke3.5x2.7 inches [89 x 69 mm]
Oil change50 h
Rated RPM3350
Compression8.4:1
Power (gross)14 hp [10.4 kW]

Transmission Information of John Deere, 240

Transmission variants 1

  • The Deere 240 operated with gear shift and clutch pedal. Clutch must be used to shift between gears. Transmission should be not shifted on the move while under heavy load. For the 1992 model year, serial number 130001, the brake changed to a wet disc internal to the transmission. Those transmissions called for low-viscosity Hy-Gard lubricant instead of gear oil.
TransmissionTuff Torq E0905
Oil type90W gear lubeJ20B
Oil capacity3.4 qts [3.2 L]
TypeBelt-driven gear
Type(optional)90W gear lube
Gears6 forward and 1 reverse

Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 240

  • Two-wheel drive
  • Open operator station. Vinyl weather enclosure optional.
SteeringManual enclosed recirculating ball
BrakesExpanding mechanical shoe (early)

Power Information of John Deere, 240

Mid PTOIndependent
ClutchElectric

Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 240

Type(optional)Sleeve hitch

Electrical System of John Deere, 240

GroundNegative
Battery volts12
Battery CCA342
Charging systemAlternator
Battery GroupU1
Charging amps13

Where it sits

Its power puts it in the 63th percentile of 1980s models in our database (977 machines).

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the John Deere 240 have?

The John Deere 240 delivers 14 HP.

What years was the John Deere 240 produced?

The John Deere 240 was produced in 1988-1992.

What transmission does the John Deere 240 use?

The John Deere 240 uses a Tuff Torq E0905 transmission.

How much does the John Deere 240 weigh?

The John Deere 240 weighs 590 lbs [267 kg].

Is the John Deere 240 4WD?

The John Deere 240 is available in 2WD.

Compare the John Deere 240 with another model